• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.140-144
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• 2001

Field investigations were initiated to determine possible new 'ssam' vegetable that could be grown during the summer season in highland. Korean 'ssam' means cooked rice in vegetables. The 'ssam' vegetable is called that those leaves has been used for wrapping at meal. Seventeen leafy vegetables were studied, including chard (Beta vulgaris L. var. flavescens DC.), leaf broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica), Chinese leek (Allium tuberosum Rottl.), Japanese hornwort (Cryptotaenia japonica Hassk), red leaf mustard (Brassica juncea L.), green leaf mustard (Brassica juncea L.), leaf parsley (Petroselinum crispum Nijim), pakchoi (Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis Jusl.) tatsoi (Brassica campestris var. narisoma), kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala), collard (Brassica oleracea var. acephala), Korean mint (Agastache rugosa O. Kuntze), romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. longifolia Lam.), red leaf chicory (Cichorium intybus L. var. folisum), red chicory (Cichorium intybus L. var. folisum), green leaf chicory (Cichorium intybus L. var. folisum), and sprouting broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica). Date of the first harvest in 1999 was July 10th in chard, leaf broccoli, red mustard, mustard, leaf parsley, pakchoi, tatsoi, kale, collard, Korean mint, red leaf chicory, red chicory, green leaf chicory, and sprouting broccoli. Date of the first harvest for Chinese leek, Japanese hornwort, and romaine lettuce was from the middle of June to the late of August. Based on ratings on marketable yield, we found good leaf shape, taste and yield in chard, red leaf mustard, green leaf mustard, pakchoi, tatsoi, romaine lettuce, red leaf chicory, red chicory, and green leaf chicory. Even though the most of all these vegetables were obtained high scores by test panels in shape, taste and quality, but some of them revealed inadequate leaf size as a 'ssam' vegetable. That problem will be solved by control of harvesting time. On the basis of this observation, chard, red leaf mustard, green leaf mustard, pakchoi, tatsoi, romaine lettuce, red leaf chicory, red chicory, and green leaf chicory were rated as promising 'ssam' vegetable by analysis of profits, adaptation, and quality.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.362-369
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• 2013

Agastache rugosa, a member of the mint family (Labiatae), is a perennial herb widely distributed in East Asian countries. It is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of cholera, vomiting, and miasma. This study assessed the genetic diversity and population structures on 65 accessions of Korean mint A. rugosa germplasm based on inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. The selected nine ISSR primers produced reproducible polymorphic banding patterns. In total, 126 bands were scored; 119 (94.4%) were polymorphic. The number of bands generated per primer varied from 7 to 18. A minimum of seven bands was generated by primer 874, while a maximum of 18 bands was generated by the primer 844. Six primers (815, 826, 835, 844, 868, and 874) generated 100% polymorphic bands. This was supported by other parameters such as total gene diversity ($H_T$) values, which ranged from 0.112 to 0.330 with a mean of 0.218. The effective number of alleles ($N_E$) ranged from 1.174 to 1.486 with a mean value of 1.351. Nei's genetic diversity (H) mean value was 0.218, and Shannon's information index (I) mean value was 0.343. The high values for total gene diversity, effective number of alleles, Nei's genetic diversity, and Shannon's information index indicated substantial variations within the population. Cluster analysis showed characteristic grouping, which is not in accordance with their geographical affiliation. The implications of the results of this study in developing a strategy for the conservation and breeding of A. rugosa and other medicinal plant germplasm are discussed.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.151-163
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• 2010

Objective: We investigated the oral malodor inhibitory effect of Scutellariae Radix (SR), Phellodendri Cortex (PC), Moutan Cortex (MTC) and Magnoliae Cortex (MGC) for the development of a gargle solution. Methods: 1. Against P. gingivalis and Pr. intermedia, the minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) and the change of viable cells that were exposed to 1% each herbal extract were observed. 2. Deodorizing activity of 2% herbal extract and Garglin $Mint^{(R)}$ against methyl mercaptan were evaluated by gas chromatography (GC). 3. We used the salivary sediment system (SSS) as the malodor model. 4. The clinical examination was repeated 3 times by 2 subjects by $Halimeter^{(R)}$. Baseline VSC of each subject was measured. Then, the control subject gargled with cysteine for 30 sec. After 4 min, subjects would gargle for 30 seconds with herbal extracts (2%) and Garglin $Mint^{(R)}$. Subsequently, the concentration of VSC was measured at 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 40 and 60 minutes. Results: 1. Against P. gingivalis, MBC of SR, PC and MTC was 0.1%, and MBC of MGC was 1%. Removal time of P. gingivalis was as follows; 5 hr in MGC, 24 hr in SR and PC, and 48 hr in MTC. Against Pr. intermedia, MBC of SR and PC was 0.5%, and MBC of MTC, MGC was 1%. Removal time of Pr. intermedia was as follows; 5 hr in MTC and 24 hr in SR, PC and MGC. 2. Deodorizing effect of herbal extracts against methyl mercaptan was as follows; MGC and MTC had 100%, SR had 82.22%, PC had 66.60%, Garglin $Mint^{(R)}$ had 40.54%. 3. In the experiment using SSS, PC and MTC had statistically significant malodor-inhibitory effects (p<.05). 4. In the clinical examination, PC and MGC had statistically significant inhibitory effects at every elapsed time compared to the control subject. MTC had that until 40 min. SR had that at 0, 4, 8, 20, and 60 min. Conclusions: SR, PC, MTC and MGC have an antibacterial effect and the chemical removable activity of the oral malodor caused by VSC. These four herbs could have potential as effective anti-malodor agents.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.115-128
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• 2010

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate deodorizing effectsof medicinal herbs (Mume Fructus, Eriobotryae Folium, Acanthopanacis Cortex, Angelicae Dahuricae Radix) for development of a gargle solution. Methods: 1. The antimicrobial effects of medicinal herbs were evaluated with the minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) and the change of the number of viable cells in the herb extracts(1%) for 48 hrs against P. gingivalis 2561 and Pr. intermedia ATCC 25611. 2. Deodorizing activity of each herb and Garglin $Mint^{(R)}$gainst methyl mercaptan were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC). 3. We used the malodor modeling of the salivary sediment system with a Halimeter. 4. In the preliminary clinical study, the baseline concentration of VSC in the oral cavity of each subject was measured by Halimeter. Subjects would gargle for 30 seconds with cysteine. After 4 minutes subjects would gargle for 30 seconds with Garglin and herb extracts (2%). Subsequently, concentration of VSC were measured at 0, 4, 8, 12 and 20 minutes. Results: 1. MBC of Mume Fructusfor P. gingivalis 2561 was determined to be <1% and MBCs of Eriobotryae Folium for P. gingivalis 2561 and Pr. intermedia ATCC 25611 were determined to be <2% and <1%, respectively. Mume Fructus (1%) completely suppressed the P. gingivalis cell viability from 5 hrs and Eriobotryae Folium (1%) completely suppressed the Pr. intermedia cell viability from 48 hrs. 2. In GC analysis, deodorizing activities were 91.54% with Mume Fructus, 87.97% with Eriobotryae Folium, 100% with Acanthopanacis Cortex, 72.36% with Angelicae Dahuricae Radix and 40.54% with Garglin $Mint^{(R)}$. 3. In malodor modeling of the salivary sediment system, each of the medicinal herbs had significantly inhibitory effect on malodor formation (p<0.05). 4. In the preliminary clinical study, the concentration of VSC of the herb groups was significantly lower than of the control group, but not in Garglin $Mint^{(R)}$. Conclusions: Mume Fructus, Eriobotryae Folium, Acanthopanacis Cortex and Angelicae Dahuricae Radixhave deodorizing activities and potential as an effective mouthwash against oral malodor.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.384-388
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• 2001

The selenium (Se) contents of 20 herbs, harvested in three areas in Korea, were analyzed. Many herbs had no Se. Angelica ($138.4{\mu}g \;Se{\cdot}kg^{-1}$ FW), caraway ($167.8{\mu}g \;Se{\cdot}kg^{-1}$ FW), chamomile ($116.6{\mu}g \;Se{\cdot}kg^{-1}$ FW), marjoram (158.7 and $132.6{\mu}g\;Se{\cdot}kg^{-1}$ FW), and oregano ($62.5{\mu}g\;Se{\cdot}kg^{-1}$ FW) accumulated Se as higher concentration compared with other plants. The Se content of herbs was dependent on the species, cultivars and areas. The status of Se uptake by herbs was investigated according to Se concentrations in hydroponics. During four weeks, before harvest of several herbs in greenhouse, sodium selenate ($Na_2SeO_4$) was added to the nutrient solution at concentrations of 2, 4, 6, and $8mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$. Field-mint accumulated Se too high, but external symptom of Se toxicity was not found. Essential oil content was generally proportionated to treated-Se concentration. The essential oil contents in basil and balm increased two to three times higher by sodium selenate treatment compared to non-treatment, but they did not show any linear relationship between essential oil contents and treated-Se concentration.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.232-241
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• 2013

Purpose: Gastrokine 1 plays an important role in gastric mucosal defense. Additionally, the Gastrokine 1-miR-185-DNMT1 axis has been shown to suppress gastric carcinogenesis through regulation of epigenetic alteration. Here, we investigated the effects of Gastrokine 1 on DNA methylation and gastritis. Materials and Methods: Expression of Gastrokine 1, DNMT1, EZH2, and c-Myc proteins, and the presence of Helicobacter pylori CagA protein were determined in 55 non-neoplastic gastric mucosal tissue samples by western blot analysis. The CpG island methylation phenotype was also examined using six markers (p16, hMLH1, CDH1, MINT1, MINT2 and MINT31) by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. Histological gastritis was assessed according to the updated Sydney classification system. Results: Reduced Gastrokine 1 expression was found in 20 of the 55 (36.4%) gastric mucosal tissue samples and was closely associated with miR-185 expression. The Gastrokine 1 expression level was inversely correlated with that of DNMT1, EZH2, and c-Myc, and closely associated with the degree of gastritis. The H. pylori CagA protein was detected in 26 of the 55 (47.3%) gastric mucosal tissues and was positively associated with the expression of DNMT1, EZH2, and c-Myc. In addition, 30 (54.5%) and 23 (41.9%) of the gastric mucosal tissues could be classified as CpG island methylation phenotype-low and CpG island methylation phenotype-high, respectively. Reduced expression of Gastrokine 1 and miR-185, and increased expression of DNMT1, EZH2, and c-Myc were detected in the CpG island methylation phenotype-high gastric mucosa. Conclusions: Gastrokine 1 has a crucial role in gastric inflammation and DNA methylation in gastric mucosa.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.58 no.2
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• pp.175-181
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• 2015

Compositions of essential oils extracted from mint herb such as Mentha piperita, Mentha spicata, and Mentha ${\times}$ piperita var. citrate produced in Jeju were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and headspace-GC-MS (HS-GC-MS). By the GC-MS analysis, 13 compounds were tentatively identified in Mentha piperita, Mentha spicata, and Mentha ${\times}$ piperita var. citrate, respectively. Peperitenone oxide, carvone, and linalool were detected as major compounds in Mentha piperita, in Mentha spicata, in Mentha ${\times}$ piperita var. citrate, respectively, based on the ratio of peak intensity in the total ion chromatogram. The greater number of compounds, including volatile alcohols and acetates were identified by HS-GC-MsS than by GC-MS in these all three essential oils. Similar patterns of composition were detected in both Mentha spicata and Mentha ${\times}$ piperita var. citrate by either one of GC-MS methods. However, in case of Mentha piperita, $\small{L}$-(-)-menthol, which was identified as the major compound by HS-GC-MS was detected in dramatically reduced quantity by GC-MS. Interestingly, we found that both linalyl acetate and linalool were identified as the dominant compounds in the essential oil of Mentha ${\times}$ piperita var. citrate.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.95-110
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• 2020

Background: In Korea, Agastache rugosa (Fisch. & C. A. Mey.) O. Kuntze is one of the well-known perennial plants belonging to Lamiaceae. This mint-fragranced plant has long been used for the treatment of abdominal pain, congestion, chills, and diarrhea since the Goryeo Dynasty. Although this plant has various medicinal properties, it is only used as a spice and for landscape purposes. Methods and Results: The objective of this paper was to review the chemical composition and biological properties of the essential oil of A. rugosa. Several studies reported that the essential oil contains more than 60 different chemical components of monoterpene and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated hydrocarbons. The major component is methyl chavicol (estragole), accounting for 64% - 88% of the oil. The chemical composition of this essential oil vaired widely according to the planting time, environmental conditions, planting distance, fertilizer application, and harvesting time. Conclusions: The essential oil of A. rugosa possesses various pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, antiviral, nematicidal, antifungal, insecticidal, wrinkle improver, stress reliever, and Alzheimer's disease alleviator. Hence, the essential oil from A. rugosa could be used for the development of high value-added industrial products in the near future.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.14-18
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• 2010

Rosmarinic acid, an ester of caffeic acid with 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl lactic acid, is one of the main active constituents of Agastache rugosa Kuntze and has an astringent property, antioxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory activity, antimutagenic ability, antimicrobial capacity, and an antiviral property. Five different strains of Agrobacterium rhizogenes differed in their ability to induce Korean mint (Agastache rugosa Kuntze) hairy roots and also showed varying effects on the growth and rosmarinic acid production in hairy root cultures. A. rhizogenes R1601 is the most effective strain for the induction (72.90%), growth (13.50 g/l) and rosmarinic acid production (22.60 mg/g) in hairy root of Korean mint. Our results demonstrate that use of suitable strains of A. rhizogenes may allow study of the regulation of rosmarinic acid biosynthesis in hairy root cultures of Agastache rugosa.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.29 no.9
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• pp.1349-1360
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• 2019

Chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, regarded as a major cause of extrinsic aging or photoaging characterized by wrinkle formation and skin dehydration, exerts adverse effects on skin by causing the overproduction of reactive oxygen species. Agastache rugosa Kuntze, known as Korean mint, possesses a wide spectrum of biological properties including anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, and anti-atherosclerosis. Previous studies have reported that A. rugosa protected human keratinocytes against UVB irradiation by restoring the anti-oxidant defense system. However, the anti-photoaging effect of A. rugosa extract (ARE) in animal models has not yet been evaluated. ARE was orally administered to hairless mice at doses of 100 or 250 mg/kg/day along with UVB exposure for 12 weeks. ARE histologically improved UVB-induced wrinkle formation, epidermal thickening, erythema, and hyperpigmentation. In addition, ARE recovered skin moisture by improving skin hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Along with this, ARE increased hyaluronic acid levels by upregulating HA synthase genes. ARE markedly increased the density of collagen and the amounts of hydroxypoline via two pathways. First, ARE significantly downregulated the mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinases responsible for collagen degradation by inactivating the mitogen-activated protein kinase/activator protein 1 pathway. Second, ARE stimulated the transforming growth factor beta/Smad signaling, consequently raising the mRNA levels of collagen-related genes. In addition, ARE not only increased the mRNA expression of anti-oxidant enzymes but also decreased inflammatory cytokines by blocking the protein expression of nuclear factor kappa B. Collectively, our findings suggest that A. rugosa may be a potential preventive and therapeutic agent for photoaging.